43 Survival Tips That Could Save Your Life When You’re “Walking a Tightrope”

Equipping yourself with these survival skills will help you survive in dire situations.

We know that in life, anything can happen that threatens human life.

Therefore, preparing rules for emergency responses in “life-or-death” situations is extremely necessary.

Memorize these survival tips as you may need to use them.

1. Escaping Strong Currents at the Beach

When swimming in the ocean, you may face a dangerous phenomenon known as “rip current.” It can appear at any time, pulling you away from shore.

By instinct, you will try to swim to shore as quickly as possible, but this will only cause the current to pull you further away.

Therefore, if you are caught in this current, do not swim straight to shore; instead, swim diagonally or parallel to the beach to escape the current.

The current is not too wide; you can swim out of it and rescue yourself.

2. Escaping from a Pursuing Alligator

When moving in a straight line, alligators can run faster than humans. However, due to their short legs and long bodies, they are quite clumsy when needing to turn. This is why they will not chase prey that frequently moves out of their line of sight.

Therefore, if chased by an alligator, run in a zigzag pattern to escape. But ideally, you should stay away from areas where alligators are present.

3. What to Do When Stung by a Jellyfish

When stung by a jellyfish, the victim’s skin and body will react strongly, such as with allergies or severe neurological shock. Therefore, if you happen to be “attacked” by a jellyfish, you should:

• Clean the wound and remove any remaining jellyfish tentacles. To avoid harming your hands, wear gloves and do not touch the tentacles with bare hands.
• Rinse the wound with saline; be careful not to use freshwater as it may activate the stinging cells more.
• To neutralize the venom, use apple cider vinegar or alcohol on the wound and then see a doctor for advice and assistance. Also, don’t forget to drink plenty of water during this time!

4. Don’t Eat Snow When Thirsty

Some people think that snow is just frozen water, so in dire thirst, eating snow is okay. However, in critical situations, you should not do this.

This is not just about the cold snow potentially giving you a sore throat; it will cool your body down. At this point, your body will expend more energy to keep warm. In desperate situations, wait for the snow to melt before drinking the water.

5. Extinguishing a Burning Pan

When the oil in a pan gets too hot and the cook is not paying attention, a fire can ignite in the pan. At this moment, many people might think to pour water on it to extinguish the fire, right?

But this is a big mistake! Pouring water on a pan of oil will cause the flames to flare up more, and the oil will splash everywhere.

If the fire is small, you can sprinkle some baking soda in the pan, as it will absorb oxygen. However, the most effective method is to use a large cotton cloth or a mixture of salt, water, and ammonium salt to extinguish the fire.

Table salt absorbs heat and isolates the fire from oxygen in the air. At the same time, ammonium salt produces CO₂, which can quickly extinguish the fire.

6. Responding to a Deep Cut

You might think that if you cut your hand, you should quickly pull out the piece and treat the wound? This is true for minor wounds, but for deep wounds, you should not try to remove anything yourself as it will only cause more blood loss and worsen the injury.

The best thing to do is not touch the wound and quickly go to the hospital or call an ambulance for help.

7. When the Ocean Water Suddenly Recedes

If the ocean water suddenly recedes unusually, it is a sign of a tsunami. If you notice this, quickly alert others and call for everyone to flee.

In 2004, this sign occurred at a beach in the Indian Ocean, but no one paid attention. When they saw the water recede, people joyfully went fishing and collecting shells. Luckily, there were two individuals at the beach who knew about this phenomenon: a 10-year-old English girl named Tilly Smith and a biology teacher named John Chroston. Thanks to them, many lives were saved that day.

8. Breaking a Car Window in an Emergency

In a situation where you must break a car window to escape, you need to prepare a small object – like a screwdriver, or at least a pen. Aim forcefully at a point on the edge of the glass and thrust it in, avoiding the middle since that is the strongest part of the structure.

9. Smelling a “strange odor” in the room

If one day you notice a pungent smell, like that of rotten fish or some other unfamiliar scent in your room, it could indicate that an electrical wire is melting somewhere.

This is a dangerous situation that could lead to a fire or explosion at any moment. The best choice for you is to turn off the circuit breaker until you find the source of the odor.

10. Encountering a bear

Don’t be fooled by the seemingly lazy bears you see at the zoo. As wild animals, bears possess impressive hunting instincts, and you would never want to encounter one in the wild.

However, if that situation arises, remember that a bear’s weakness is its ability to maintain balance. They can run very fast and strike hard, but turning quickly in a circle is difficult for them.

So if you encounter a bear, run to hide behind a car or a tree. After a while of unsuccessful chasing, the bear will likely lose interest and give up on you.

If the bear has not attacked, remain still and do not move, then slowly back away. Typically, bears rarely attack humans, so give it… a chance to realize who you are.

11. Being attacked on the street

Being unexpectedly attacked on the street can happen to anyone, regardless of gender. So what should you do in that situation?

The first step is to avoid the situation if possible. When moving in high-risk areas (deserted streets, poorly lit places…), always stay alert. Absolutely do not listen to music or use your phone at this time.

If you are attacked, don’t try to fight back; instead, look for an escape route immediately, especially if the attacker is armed. While running, scream loudly to draw attention and call for help from those around you. Only consider fighting back if you are cornered or if the attacker has a gun.

However, at this moment, you should not give up. If the attacker harms you, look for ways to strike their weak points – eyes, throat, groin… Scratching, biting, or even pulling their hair can be acceptable self-defense methods in this situation.

You can also aim for the knees or ankles. This way, the attacker will not be able to chase you anymore, increasing your chances of escaping.

12. Falling into cold water

Don’t think this situation won’t happen to you; the risk of ships or planes encountering accidents still exists. When you survive an accident, you might fall into extremely cold water, especially during winter weather.

In the Titanic sinking, most victims died from hypothermia due to the cold sea water. So what should you do in this situation?

In fact, if you find yourself in this situation, there’s not much you can do, especially when you’re surrounded by water and can’t see the shore. However, you can enhance your chances of survival by tucking your arms across your chest and pulling your legs up to your stomach (of course, if you have a life jacket). This is the Heat Escape Lessening Posture (H.E.L.P), aimed at reducing your heat loss while waiting for rescue.

13. Experiencing an earthquake

Many people think that during an earthquake, the first thing to do is to run outside. However, this is a completely mistaken belief. It only holds true if you are in an open suburban area. In a city, many factors can increase your risk of death (signs, traffic lights, brick walls…).

Instead, the first thing you should do is get low to the ground and take cover under a table. If there is no table, find a corner of the room, sit against the wall, and cover your head with your arms. Stay in this position until the shaking stops, and only move if the walls are at risk of collapsing.

You should also avoid going near windows for any reason. The tremors from the earthquake can throw you outside at any moment. Furthermore, do not use elevators – the risk of electrical failure or getting stuck inside is extremely high.

If you are already outside, find an open area away from buildings, trees, and power lines. If you are in a vehicle, quickly pull over to the side of the road and park in a location free of obstructions.

14. When in a falling elevator

Many people believe that in this situation, we need to time our jump just before the elevator hits the ground.

Theoretically, this might be true, but in reality, the chances of you being able to do this are almost zero. The falling process is very fast, making it nearly impossible to time your jump. Instead, the best way to increase your chances of survival is to lie flat on your back. At this point, the muscles and fat in your body will act as a cushion to absorb the impact from the fall.

If you cannot lie down, at least sit down. This position may not be the best, but it is still more effective than standing, as your rear end will act like a cushion.

In every case, cover your neck and face with your hands to reduce the impact on these two vulnerable areas.

15. When attacked from behind

One of the most effective ways to counter an attacker from behind is to stomp on their foot. This method is especially effective for women wearing high heels: just stomp down with all your strength on their toes. The pressure on their foot is enough to crack their toe bones, making it harder for them to chase you.

16. When falling into a ravine

This is a very challenging situation. To survive, try to break your fall into smaller stages to reduce speed.

While falling, wrap your arms around your head and neck to maintain consciousness. Try to grab onto larger objects – like rocks or branches. Just holding onto something can successfully break your fall and significantly increase your chances of survival.

17. Safe route during a fire

When trapped in a burning building, remember this: smoke is the most dangerous enemy, and smoke rises.

Therefore, when moving, crouch as low as possible and crawl toward the emergency exit to avoid smoke. If you have a cloth or a mask (the better), immediately cover your mouth to reduce smoke inhalation for as long as possible.

18. Falling into an ice lake

Traveling to temperate countries in winter, you may encounter this situation, and for those unaccustomed, it can indeed be dangerous.

The most dangerous aspect of ice lakes is that there are places where the ice is thin, unable to support your weight and causing you to fall into the water. At this point, you need to get out of the water quickly to avoid the extremely dangerous phenomenon of hypothermia.

Here’s what to do: when you manage to grab the edge of the ice, do not try to pull yourself up. Instead, kick your legs to float, gradually lifting your body horizontally – just like a seal getting onto land. And once you are on the ice, do not try to stand up to avoid putting all your weight on one point. Roll over to a wider, safer area.

19. Avoiding lightning strikes in open fields

During rainy and stormy seasons, try to avoid open areas as there is nothing around to serve as a lightning rod (like tall buildings or trees…). But if you find yourself in the middle of a field during a storm, at least squat or kneel down, placing your head between your knees and covering your ears with your hands. If there’s anything taller than you nearby, make sure to stay away from it.

The same rule applies when moving in groups. Spread out and wait for the storm to pass.

20. What to Do When You Encounter a Whirlpool at Sea?

The first thing is to stay calm, as you can completely avoid being caught in it if you act coolly.

Observe the direction of the current, then swim or paddle sideways, utilizing the current to escape. Do not attempt to swim against the current, as you will quickly exhaust yourself and be overwhelmed.

If you are caught in it, remember that a whirlpool is much weaker at the bottom. Take a deep breath, wait for the current to weaken, and swim out.

21. Surviving in a Frantic Crowd

Getting caught in a crowd can be more dangerous than you think, and some people have even died from it.

If you find yourself in such a situation, keep your arms close to your body and raise your hands in front of your chest—similar to a boxing stance. This way, you protect your organs from being crushed and injured.

22. Being Buried Alive

This situation is indeed terrifying, and here are ways to increase your chances of survival.

The biggest challenge is maintaining oxygen and protecting your ability to breathe. Use your shirt to cover your face to avoid inhaling dirt, while keeping some air for digging your way out.

23. Being Attacked by an Anaconda

Anacondas rarely attack humans, but it can happen.

1. To avoid an anaconda, steer clear of shallow waters, as these are their preferred habitats. If you see a snake, do not approach it; instead, observe its direction to see if it is following you.

2. If you are unfortunately coiled by a snake, try to take a deep breath and hold it. Limit your exhalation, as each time you do, it will tighten its grip further.

3. Attempt to locate the tail of the snake and bite it hard. This is a sensitive area and will cause it to release you.

4. If you cannot reach the tail, you must fight back. If your hands are free, grab a stone (or any hard object) nearby and hit its body or head until it lets go. An unresisting prey is the best catch for a snake.

24. If You Fall into a Rapid River

A rapid river can be scarier than you think, as even seasoned swimmers can struggle against it. So if you find yourself in this situation, keep these tips in mind:

1. Swim diagonally to the shore rather than straight, as this will conserve energy. Aim for a 45-degree angle.

2. Do not try to swim upstream. It’s futile!

3. Float on your back, with your feet pointed downstream. Your head should be upstream to avoid hitting obstacles. This position will help you rest while waiting to reach calmer waters where you can swim to shore more easily.

25. When Attacked by a Wolf

1. Do not run or act in a way that shows weakness. A wolf’s instinct is to chase anything that flees, as it perceives that as prey.

2. Avoid making eye contact with the wolf, as it will interpret this as a challenge. Keep your head low.

3. If the wolf approaches closely, raise your hands above your head to appear larger. You can clap loudly or shout. The wolf won’t be scared, but this will give you extra time to find a way to escape.

4. If the wolf continues to approach, back away slowly. Remember to maintain balance and keep a calm head; do not look back.

5. Slowly climb the nearest tree, but keep your eyes on the wolf pack.

6. If escape isn’t possible and you are attacked, curl up with your hands over your head and face. This way, you can avoid fatal bites and increase your chances of survival.

7. You may throw stones or sticks at the wolf’s face if you feel the situation is dire. The wolves may hesitate and retreat.

8. If you are in a large group, form a circle to observe the situation from multiple angles.

26. When Your Car is Hanging off a Cliff

This is a situation that can easily happen to those who frequently drive on treacherous roads in mountainous areas. If you find yourself in this predicament, it’s crucial to stay calm.

1. First, don’t rush to do anything, unless your car is sliding off the edge. Take a deep breath and plan your escape.

2. Move slowly within the vehicle to prevent it from losing balance. If there are multiple people in the car, exit from the opposite side.

3. Always keep your foot on the brake. This may be the only way to prevent your car from sliding off the edge.

4. If the front door is tilting down, exit slowly and calmly through the back door. Try to find the balance point of the car, then gradually crawl out the back door and escape.

5. Immediately open all windows to create additional escape routes. All doors should also be unlocked so that everyone can exit at the same time.

6. If there are children in the car, let an adult exit first, then hand the child to that person.

27. When Your Car is Stolen

This is simple: Do not risk your life. Hand over your belongings to the thief and quickly report to the local authorities.

28. When Attacked by a Shark

First, you need to stay calm and avoid panicking, which could provoke the animal. Always keep an eye on the shark’s position to anticipate any sudden attacks.

If you notice the shark preparing to attack, try to spread your arms wide to appear as large as possible. This may make the shark swim away, as humans are not their preferred prey. If it swims past, curl up to make yourself as small as possible to avoid attracting attention.

If you are truly attacked, you must fight back. Use your strength to kick or punch sensitive areas of the shark—such as the eyes or gills—and do not allow it to swim behind you. After driving it away, swim slowly to shore, avoiding haste to conserve energy and minimize attracting attention.

29. Being Trapped in a Truck Bed

If you find yourself in this predicament, remember you have a few options to try. First, attempt to pull the emergency release in the truck bed. If that doesn’t work, try prying the lock inside the bed. You can also try turning on the vehicle’s lights, reaching out, and attracting the attention of passersby.

30. Using Pants to Create a Lifebuoy

3 Rules: Tie, Swing Hard, and Hold Tight

If you fall into the water and cannot reach the shore immediately, quickly remove your pants and tie the legs together. Then swing the pants vigorously to trap as much air as possible, and drape them around your neck. This way, the pants will serve as a temporary lifesaver.

31. Transforming a Plastic Bag into a Tie

You will need more than one bag, depending on the length of the tie you want to create.

First, cut the bag in half and make a hole at the bottom on each side. Then, thread the bag through the holes and tie it off. Repeat this process with other bags to lengthen the cord.

32. How to Break a Door When Necessary

For instance, if there’s a fire and the door is locked, breaking the door may be necessary, right?

You will need to kick the right spot, which is next to the lock. To be more effective, put your weight on your heel and kick firmly.

33. During a Sandstorm: Wait It Out

Being caught in a sandstorm without shelter can be quite dire. In such situations, calmly look for a place to hide—such as a rock outcrop or a large tree.

During this time, cover your nose and mouth with a piece of cloth (preferably damp) to protect your lungs from inhaling dust, and wait for the storm to pass.

34. Suitable Shelter During a Tornado

Avoid all upper floors and stay on the lowest level of the house. You can hide in a bathroom and cover yourself with a mattress or heavy cloth. If you are in an apartment, don’t hide near heavy objects (like bookshelves) and ceiling lights, as they may fall during the tornado.

35. If Caught in a Wildfire: Move to Lower Ground

One little-known fact is that fire spreads upwards—heat rises. If a fire occurs on a slope, the spread can double with every additional 10 degrees of incline.

Therefore, during a wildfire, avoid high areas.

36. When Caught in Flooding: Don’t Step into Water Deeper Than 15-20cm

Water is a powerful force of nature. In flooding areas, water deeper than 15cm can cause you to lose your balance and can even sweep you away. If the water is more than 30cm deep, it has enough force to carry away a car.

So even if the surface of the water doesn’t seem too fast, don’t take the risk. Use a stick to gauge the depth of the water before deciding whether to step through.

37. Jumping into Water Needs to Be Done Correctly

If you find yourself needing to jump into water from a height, choose a spot that is clear of rocks and dangerous debris.

If you’re not a professional, don’t dive headfirst into the water. Instead, arch your back while jumping, keep your arms raised above your head, and point your toes straight down. After entering the water, quickly spread your arms and legs to slow your descent and float back to the surface.

This tip is especially useful if you’re unsure of the water’s depth.

38. How to Turn Salt Water into Drinkable Water

What you need is an aluminum can and a plastic bottle. First, pour salt water into the can, then cut the bottom off the plastic bottle and invert it to create a collar. Finally, place the can inside the bottle (as shown in the image) and leave everything in a sunny spot to wait.

The heat will cause the water to evaporate and condense at the collar, while the salt will remain in the can.

39. Encountering a Gorilla

Accidentally encountering a gorilla can be thrilling, but it can also become dangerous if the animal feels threatened or intruded upon. When attacked by a gorilla, it’s crucial to remember to stay calm and avoid making any sudden moves.

It may be helpful to try to appear smaller and less threatening to the gorilla. You can do this by crouching down and tucking your head into your chest while keeping an eye on the animal. This may help you look less intimidating and reduce the gorilla’s aggression.

40. Encountering a Bull

Bulls are inherently aggressive and are attracted to movement. Running away may trigger their chase and attack instinct. Instead, stand your ground and try to remain as still as possible. If you need to move, do so slowly and calmly.

However, bulls consider direct eye contact a threat, so try to avoid looking directly at them. Instead, keep an eye on their movements and be aware of your surroundings. Also, remember never to turn your back on a bull.

41. Encountering an Elephant

First, try to find something between you and the elephant. If there’s a large tree, a rock, or another solid object, use it as protection. Elephants have poor eyesight and may lose track of you if you’re out of their line of sight.

If you cannot find cover, try to back away slowly while facing the elephant. If the elephant charges you, remain calm. They are intelligent animals, so try to show them you’re not a threat. If this doesn’t work, try making loud noises, such as whistling or blowing a whistle, to scare them off.

42. Escaping from Bees

Bees are naturally attracted to dark colors, which they may perceive as a potential threat. They become agitated, making you more susceptible to stings. If you plan to spend time outdoors in bee-prone areas, consider wearing light-colored clothing. Bright colors like white or pastel shades are less likely to attract bees and can help you avoid unwanted encounters.

43. Encountering a Hippopotamus

Hippopotamuses are very protective of their territory and can become aggressive if they feel their water source is threatened. That’s why you should avoid getting between a hippopotamus and its water source and give them plenty of space to move.

Hippos can be easily provoked and may attack if they feel threatened or mocked. Additionally, they can run at speeds of 30 miles (nearly 50 km) per hour, making it futile to try to escape from them. The best scenario is to climb a nearby tree and stay there until the hippo leaves.

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